From relaxed lunches in the vines to sparkling tasting flights and Saturday evenings that stretch a little longer, summer is a lovely time to visit Gusbourne.
Whether you book a tour or tasting, or simply drop in for a glass of wine and something delicious to eat, The Nest is open throughout the season for visitors who want to enjoy the vineyard at a more leisurely pace.
Summer opening hours
This summer, our outdoor terrace is open for wine and bar snacks without a booking on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
On Saturdays in June, July and August, we are also open later, with wine and food served until 7pm. Last orders are at 6.30pm.
If you're planning to stay for one of our late Saturdays, you can now book a vineyard platter at 4.30pm on Saturday afternoons, or enjoy a sparkling tasting flight at 4.30pm.
Prefer to be spontaneous? You are very welcome to drop in without a booking. Order wine by the glass, choose something from the bar menu and settle in for a little while.
We recommend pre-booking taxis for onward travel.
What to eat
Our summer bar menu is designed for relaxed drinking and grazing in the vineyard.
For something light, choose one of our snack boards: hand-cooked Kentish crisps, juicy olives and salted almonds. Simple, delicious and just right with a glass of Gusbourne.
If you would like something a little more generous, our cheese selection includes a selection of Kent and Sussex cheese with homemade chutney, quince jelly, grapes and artisan crackers.
For a more substantial lunch, book a Vineyard Platter for Two. These are a real showcase of local ingredients, with Kentish charcuterie, richly flavoured cheeses, chef-prepared salads, freshly baked bread and seasonal treats selected by our Head Chef, Anthony Coppard.
Our current Vineyard Platter includes Romney Marsh lamb sausage roll, Kent cheeses with homemade chutney, Moons Green fennel salami, kohlrabi salad, fresh leaves, local sourdough, whipped goats cheese with estate honey, grapes and a sweet treat. The selection changes with the season, so there will always be something new to enjoy.
Do I need to book?
Not always.
You do not need to book if you would simply like to drop in for wine by the glass, bar snacks or something from our light lunch menu. Our outdoor pergola is open for walk-in visitors on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer.
If you would like to join a guided tasting, tour or ticketed experience, please book in advance. You can see the full list of available experiences on our website.
Vineyard Platters can also be pre-booked for selected times, including 4.30pm on summer Saturdays.
Can I eat during my tasting flight?
Our tasting flights are focused on the wines and usually take place at 11am or 2pm.
You are very welcome to enjoy food before or after your tasting. If you are booked onto the 2pm tasting flight and would like lunch beforehand, we recommend arriving at least an hour early.
What can I do if I haven’t booked?
Plenty! Take our self-guided vineyard trail, a beautiful 35-minute walking route through the vines, then return to The Nest for a glass of wine and something to eat. You can also visit our shop to buy wines to take home.
No booking is needed for the self-guided walk, the shop or walk-in wine and food service.
Can I bring children?
Yes, children are welcome in our outdoor hospitality spaces, if you are dropping in without a booking and ordering drinks and food from the bar. Longer experiences like the Estate Tour or the Icons Tour aren't suitable for children. We also serve soft drinks for drivers and under-18s.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, dogs are welcome in our outdoor hospitality spaces.
Inside The Nest, dogs are welcome on the ground floor but are not permitted upstairs. This means dogs cannot join our Estate Tour, Icons Experience or other ticketed experiences that take place inside The Nest.
For their safety, please keep dogs on a lead at all times.
What happens if it rains?
Our outdoor tasting area is covered from above, but open-sided. We recommend dressing for the British weather, just in case. Blankets are available if it gets a little chilly.
When are you open?
For pre-booked tours and tastings, The Nest is open from 10am to 5pm, Wednesday to Monday. We are closed on Tuesdays, except for cellar door wine purchases.
For walk-in wine and food service, our outdoor terrace is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer, from 10am to 5pm.
On Saturdays in June, July and August, we are open later, with wine and food served until 7pm. Last orders are at 6.30pm.
